Event

PURSUING YOUR PASSION THROUGH SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The fourth Dialogue in the Leading Change Series, "Pursuing Your Passion through Social Entrepreneurship", will explore how you can use the power of business to tackle some of world's toughest social problems. Come meet Carol Schillios and hear her inspirational stories and experiences, as well as see a working example of using business to fund social programs. Through this event you will learn more about the field of Social Entrepreneurship and the power of Cooperative Micro-credit. You will be inspired and empowered to continue your journey of discovery and decide how you will leverage your skills and experience to use business to do good and do well.

**About the Dialogue Leader**Carol Schillios is an expert with 34 years in the field of cooperative credit. She has a foundation, a fair trade boutique in Edmonds, and an NGO in West Africa. She is a true social entrepreneur and has dedicated her life to promoting cooperative partnerships in developing countries that improve people's access to affordable credit, education and health care. Her "Here Je" project in Bamako, Mali focuses on helping young women build self-esteem and independence, and facilitates learning the skills needed to be self-sustaining micro-entrepreneurs. So far she has taken 20 young women off the street, and successfully turned beggars and prostitutes into confident business owners in just 18 months!

A lively and engaging storyteller, Carol proudly says "my life is an open book" and she hopes to be an inspiration to others to follow their dreams. She is a firm believer that it only takes a single person to make one small change to have a major effect on society and be the catalyst for major transformation. She speaks candidly about how her childhood shaped her character, her past life in the corporate world, and how following her passions has been both fulfilling and overwhelming. Through her powerful words, Carol prompts all of us to ponder the question: "If I died today, would I be satisfied with what I have accomplished in my life?"

Carol thinks of the world as her school, and the children she helps as her family, which has allowed her to continue pursuing her purpose in life. She has taken an innovative and holistic approach to international development, and believes in the power of combining business, along with policy, education and health, to solve some of the world's toughest social issues. Her journey of following her dreams is fascinating, and above all, she remains steadfast and courageous in her fight for what she believes in. She even spent 113 days in 2009 living on a roof in order to bring awareness to her causes and raise $1M!

**About Net Impact Seattle** Net Impact Seattle, a Professional Chapter affiliate of the international non-profit Net Impact, is a network of professionals interested in advancing corporate social responsibility and sustainability. We empower our members to make meaningful change in and through the workplace. Join our effort to help businesses improve communities and the environment. For more information, visit http://www.seattlenetimpact.org

Discussion

Location

Fabric of Life Fair Trade Boutique
523 Main Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
United States